Commencement Speech — Dani Salonen

Design-Thinking is for writing too.

I used design-thinking principles for this speech by spending weeks engaging with those around me on what struggles we collectively faced over our 4 years at University. After many iterations, here is words designed through process.

Is it possible to feel both weight and weightlessness?

I think so. Our class has experienced the weight of isolation, but also the weightlessness of small gestures meaning so much more during this time.

We have experienced the weight of recognizing racial inequality both in our own past mistakes, misjudgments, and unconscious biases- but also the weightlessness of the hope of inclusion, equality and a more socially cohesive American society.

We have experienced the weight of losing loved ones- but also the weightlessness of new birth, hope of science & hope of a better future.

We have experienced both the weight of economic recisions - job loss, homelessness and wealth gaps- but also the hope of a stable recovery.

We have experienced the weight of lost social events, travel and family gatherings, but the weightlessness of visualizing a future where these things mean so much more

We have experienced the weight of local businesses struggling for air, but the weightlessness of unwavering innovation and community.

Today, I hope you reflect on the weight + weightlessness in your own lives. We all have unique situations that interconnect us in ways we don’t consciously realize. I encourage you to breathe in togetherness and bind yourself to those around you who motivate you to live out your purpose.

Students, we have experienced a lot in these past 12 months. I leave this campus encouraged by the incredible strength, courage, tenacity and grit of my peers around me. Let’s go change the world!

Dani Salonen